Can intravenous oxytocin infusion counteract hyperinflammation in COVID-19 infected patients?

Abstract

Objectives: Based on its well-documented anti-inflammatory and restorative properties we propose trials with the natural hormone oxytocin for treatment of hospitalised Covid-19 patients. Methods: We searched for, retrieved, and commented on specific literature regarding multiple functions of oxytocin with a special focus on its modulation of inflammatory, immune, and restorative functions. Results: Available data gathered in animals and humans support the anti-inflammatory properties of oxytocin. The multiple anti-inflammatory effects of oxytocin have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in various animal models and also in humans in response to intravenous infusion of oxytocin. Furthermore, oxytocin has been documented to activate several types of protective and restorative mechanisms and to exert positive effects on the immune system. Conclusions: In addition, to being anti-inflammatory, it may be hypothesised, that oxytocin may be less suppressive on adaptive immune systems, as compared with glucocorticoids. Finally, by its restorative effects coupled with its anti-stress and healing properties, oxytocin may shorten the recovery period of the Covid-19 patients.

Consequences of pandemic-associated social restrictions: Role of social support and the oxytocin system

“…While OXT is known to dampen inflammatory pathways like oxidative stress and protein translation abilities during cellular stress, AVP rather amplifies inflammatory responses ( Biyikli et al, 2006 , Klein et al, 2016 ; reviewed in Bordt et al, 2019 ). As OXT promotes, rather than suppresses, adaptive immune responses - in contrast to glucocorticoids - the interaction of OXT with the immune system has substantial health benefits ( Buemann et al, 2020 , Erdman and Poutahidis, 2016 ).…”

Love and fear in the times of sickness

“…Exogenous oxytocin reduced signs of sickness behavior and modified alterations in heart rate variability induced by lipopolysaccharide in rats [ 39 ]. Although the anti-inflammatory properties of oxytocin have been extensively studied [ 8 , 9 ], what is probably more interesting is the observation that administration of this neuropeptide can mimic the beneficial effects of group housing on sickness behavior. A recent study demonstrated that sickness induced by a chemotherapeutic cocktail combining doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide was more intense in socially isolated mice than in group housed mice and that centrally administered oxytocin remedied the detrimental effects of social isolation via modulation of IL-6 [ 46 ].…”

Targeting the Oxytocinergic System: A Possible Pharmacological Strategy for the Treatment of Inflammation Occurring in Different Chronic Diseases

“…The anti-inflammatory action exerted by oxytocin and the sustenance of the immune response seem to be mediated by the inhibition of the signaling of the transcription factor NF-kB [ 172 ]. The therapeutic potential of oxytocin in the treatment of COVID-19 and/or in reducing the hospitalization period is also supported by Buemann et al, who reported the capability of oxytocin in dampening the inflammatory response driven by neutrophils in different animal models and its potential in decreasing the infiltration of inflammatory tissue cells [ 41 ].…”

“…The majority of the studies conducted on the oxytocinergic system focused on its capability to regulate maternal, social, and eating behavior [ 27 , 39 ], with very consistent results highlighting its potential to represent the keystone for the development of a novel pharmacological strategy to control disorders in such contexts; interestingly, new evidence highlights the implication of the oxytocinergic system also in the control of inflammatory processes [ 40 ], thus adding novel important properties to such neuropeptides [ 41 ].…”